Also called: runner
What a food runner does
A food runner gets plates from the pass to the right guest at the right moment. You learn the menu, table numbers, and seat positions, check each order against the ticket, and deliver it hot with a quick description. You also help servers by bussing, refilling water, and resetting tables. Runners keep tables turning and reduce the time food sits under the heat lamp. It is a fast-paced job that builds menu knowledge and is a common step toward serving.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $16.34/hr for dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers, and $16.72/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Carry plates from the kitchen pass to the correct tables quickly and safely
- Check each dish against the ticket for accuracy and presentation before it leaves the pass
- Use table and seat numbers to deliver food to the right guest
- Present dishes with a short description and mention any key ingredients or allergens
- Communicate with servers and expo about order status and special requests
- Bus tables and bring dirty dishes to the dish area as needed
- Refill water, bread, and condiments during busy periods
- Reset tables with clean silverware, glassware, and napkins
- Help servers with side work, such as polishing silverware and stocking stations
- Follow food safety and allergen procedures, including hand washing and clean carrying techniques
Requirements
- No experience required in many restaurants, and a willingness to learn is key
- Ability to carry multiple plates and move quickly without spilling
- Ability to stand and walk for a full shift
- Food handler card may be required depending on your location
- Good memory for table numbers and menu items
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays
Skills
- Carrying multiple plates safely
- Table number and seat memory
- Menu knowledge
- Friendly guest interaction
- Quick communication with expo and servers
- Awareness of allergens
- Teamwork
Schedule
Food runners usually work lunch or dinner rushes, often in shorter shifts focused on peak hours and weekends.
Food Runner job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Food Runner - [Restaurant Name], [City] [Restaurant Name] in [City] is hiring a Food Runner to help us serve our guests hot, accurate food on time. You will be a key link between the kitchen and the dining room. What you will do: - Bring dishes from the pass to the right tables - Check orders against tickets before they go out - Describe dishes and mention any allergen notes - Bus and reset tables - Support servers and keep the dining room running smoothly What we are looking for: - No experience needed, we will train you - Speed, balance, and a friendly attitude - A good memory for table numbers and menu items - Food handler card if required in [City] - Availability for [Shift], including weekends What we offer: - [$XX-$XX/hr] plus [tip share] - Staff meal on every shift - [Benefits, e.g. flexible scheduling, paid time off] - A clear path to server or bartender roles Apply by emailing [email] or stop by [Address] between [Hours].
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